1-pyridylmethyl-2-nitromethylene-1,3-diazacycloalkane insecticides

ABSTRACT

Novel insecticides of the formula ##STR1## in which R is a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl group, 
     X is a halogen atom, a lower alkyl group, a lower alkoxy group, a lower alkylthio-group, a lower alkylsulfinyl group, a lower alkylsulfonyl group, a lower alkenyl group, a lower alkynyl group, an aryl group, an aryloxy group which may be optionally substituted by a halogen atom, an arylthio group which may be optionally substituted by a halogen atom, or an aralkyl group, 
     l is 1, 2, 3 or 4, 
     m is 2, 3, or 4, and 
     n is 0, 1, 2 or 3, 
     or salts thereof. Intermediates therefor of the formula ##STR2## are also new.

This invention relates to novel nitromethylene derivatives,intermediates thereof, processes for production thereof, andinsecticides containing said novel nitromethylene derivatives as activeingredients.

More specifically, this invention relates to novel nitromethylenederivatives represented by the following general formula (I): ##STR3##wherein

R represents a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl group,

X represents a halogen atom, a lower alkyl group, a lower alkoxy group,a lower alkylthio group, a lower alkylsulfinyl group, a loweralkylsulfonyl group, a lower alkenyl group, a lower alkynyl group, anaryl group, an aryloxy group which may be optionally substituted by ahalogen atom, an arylthio group which may be optionally substituted by ahalogen atom, or an aralkyl group,

l represents 1, 2, 3 or 4,

m represents 2, 3 or 4, and

n represents 0, 1, 2 or 3 .

It has to be stated that in case l>1, the radicals X may be the same ordifferent from each other. The nitromethylene derivatives of formula (I)in accordance with this invention can be produced by the followingprocess (i) to which the invention also pertains:

Process (i)

A process for producing the nitromethylene derivatives of generalformula (I), which comprises reacting a compound represented by thegeneral formula ##STR4## wherein R, X, l, m and n are as defined above,with a compound represented by the general formula ##STR5## wherein eachR' represents a lower alkyl group, a benzyl group or the two R' groupstogether represent a lower alkylene group having at least 2 carbon atomsand may form a ring together with the sulfur atoms adjacent thereto.

This invention also relates to insecticides comprising thenitromethylene derivative of general formula (I) as an activeingredient.

In the production of the novel nitromethylene derivatives of generalformula (I) in accordance with this invention, the compound of generalformula (II), an intermediate, is a novel compound which is notdescribed in any known publication, and the present invention alsorelates to said compounds (intermediates).

The novel compound of general formula (II) can be produced by thefollowing process (ii) to which the invention also pertains:

Process (ii)

A process for producing the compound of general formula (II), whichcomprises reacting a compound represented by the general formula##STR6## wherein R, X, l, and n are as defined above, and Y represents ahalogen atom or the group --OSO₂ R" in which R" represents a lower alkylor an aryl group,

with a compound represented by the general formula

    H.sub.2 N--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --NH.sub.2                     (V)

wherein m is as defined above.

Compounds of general formula (IV) are either known or can be produced byknown preparation methods.

German Offenlegungsschrift No. 2,514,402 known before the filing date ofthe present application states that 2-nitromethyleneimidazolidinederivatives and 2-nitromethylenehexahydropyrimidine derivatives of thefollowing general formula ##STR7## have insecticidal activity. The abovegeneral formula includes cases of n=2, R₁ =phenyl-(C₁ -C₂)alkyl groupand R₂ =R₃ =hydrogen and the specification of the above German patentdocument describes a compound of the following formula ##STR8##

German Offenlegungsschrift No. 2,732,660 states that 1-substitutedbenzyl-2-nitromethylene-imidazolidine derivatives represented by thefollowing general formula ##STR9## have insecticidal activity. Thespecification of this German Offenlegungsschrift describes a compoundrepresented by the following formula. ##STR10##

It has been found that the compounds of this invention in low dosageshave superior controlling activity relative to the compounds of formulae(A-1) and (B-1) which are described in the above-cited GermanOffenlegungsschriften and are most similar to the compounds of thisinvention, and that the compounds of this invention exhibit a markedcontrolling effect against noxious insects which have acquiredresistance to organic phosphate and carbamate type insecticides throughlong-term use, particularly sucking insects typified by hemipterousinsects such as aphids, planthoppers and leafhoppers.

The active compounds of this invention exhibit an accurate controllingeffect against noxious insects, without causing any phytotoxicity tocultivated plants. Furthermore, the compounds of this invention can beused for control and eradication of a wide range of pests, includingsucking insects, biting insects and other plant parasites, pests onstored grains and pests causing health hazards.

Examples of the pests are shown below.

Coleopterous insects

Callosobruchus chinensis,

Sitophilus zeamais,

Tribolium castaneus,

Epilachna vigitoctomaculata,

Agriotes fuscicollis,

Anomala rufocuprea,

Leptinotarsa decemkineata,

Diabrotica spp.,

Monochamus alternatus,

Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus, and

Lyctus brunneus.

Lepidopterous insects

Lymantria dispar,

Malacosoma neustria,

Pieris rapae,

Spodoptera litura,

Mamestra brassicae,

Chilo suppressalis,

Pyrausta nubilalis,

Ephestia cautella,

Adoxophyes orana,

Carpocapsa pomonella,

Agrotis fucosa,

Galleria mellonella,

Plutella maculipennis, and

Phyllocnistis citrella.

Hemipterous insects

Nephotettix cincticeps,

Nilaparvata lugens,

Pseudococcus cometocki,

Unaspis yanonensis,

Myzus persicae,

Aphis pomi,

Aphis gossypii,

Rhopalosiphum pseudobrassicas,

Stephanitis nashi,

Nazara spp.,

Cimex lectularius,

Trialeurodes vaporariorum, and

Psylla spp.

Orthopterous insects

Blatella germanica,

Periplaneta americana,

Cryllotalpa africana, and

Locusta migratoria migratoriodes.

Isopterous insects

Deucotermes speratus, and

Coptotermes formosanus.

Dipterous insects

Musca domestica,

Aedes aegypti,

Hylemia platura,

Culex pipens,

Anopheles sinensis, and

Culex tritaeniorhynchus.

In the field of veterinary medicine, the novel compounds of thisinvention are effective against various noxious animal parasites (endo-and ecto-parasites) such as insects and worms. Examples of such animalparasites are shown below.

Insects

Gastrophilus spp.,

Stomoxys spp.,

Trichodectes spp.,

Rhodnius spp., and

Ctenocephalides canis.

Substances having pesticidal activity against all of these pests maysometimes be referred to in this application simply as insecticides.

The nitromethylene derivative of general formula (I) in accordance withthis invention can be easily produced, for example, by the followingprocess (i):

Process (i) ##STR11##

(In the formulae, R, X, l, m, n and R' are as defined hereinabove.)

In the above reaction scheme, R represents a hydrogen atom or a loweralkyl group, and specific examples of a lower alkyl group may includemethyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl and n-(iso-, sec- or tert-)butyl.

X represents halogen atom, a lower alkyl group with preferably 1 to 6carbon atoms, a lower alkoxy group, a lower alkylthio group withpreferably 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a lower alkylsulfinyl group withpreferably 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a lower alkylsulfonyl group withpreferably 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a lower alkenyl group with preferably 2to 6 carbon atoms, a lower alkynyl group with preferably 2 to 4 carbonatoms, an aryl group with preferably 6 or 10 ring carbon atoms, anaryloxy group which may be optionally sutstituted by a halogen atom, anarylthio group which may be optionally substituted by a halogen atom, oran aralkyl group, and specific examples of a halogen atom may includefluoro, chloro, bromo and iodo, specific examples of a lower alkyl arethe same as those exemplified above, specific examples of a lower alkoxygroup, a lower alkylthio group, a lower alkylsufinyl group and a loweralkylsulfonyl group may be respectively those having the same loweralkyl group as exemplified above, specific examples of a lower alkenylmay include vinyl, allyl, 1-propenyl or 1 -(2- or 3-)butenyl, specificexamples of a lower alkynyl may include ethynyl, 1-propynyl orpropargyl, specific examples of an aryl group may include phenyl or α-(or β-) naphthyl, specific examples of an aryloxy group and an arylthiogroup which may be optionally substituted by a halogen atom may berespectively those having the same aryl group as exemplified above whichmay be substituted by one or two halogen atom(s) such as exemplifiedabove, and specific examples of an aralkyl group may include benzyl,phenethyl or α-naphthylmethyl.

l represents 1, 2, 3 or 4.

m represents 2, 3 or 4.

n represents 0, 1, 2 or 3.

R' represents a lower alkyl group with preferably 1 to 6 carbon atoms, abenzyl group, or the two R' groups together represent a lower alkylenegroup having at least 2 carbon atoms. Specific examples of the loweralkyl group are the same as those exemplified above for R. The two R'groups together may represent a lower alkylene group having at least 2carbon atoms and may form a ring together with the sulfur atoms adjacentthereto. An ethylene group may be cited as an example of such analkylene group.

In the process for producing the compounds of general formula (I) ofthis invention represented by the reaction scheme, specific examples ofthe starting compound of general formula (II) include

II- 1. N-(5-methyl-2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine,

II- 2. N-(5-methyl-2-pyridylmethyl)trimethylenediamine,

II- 3. N-(6-methyl-2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine,

II- 4. N-(6-methyl-2-pyridylmethyl)trimethylenediamine,

II- 5. N-(4-methyl-2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine,

II 6. N-(4-methyl-2-pyridylmethyl)trimethylenediamine,

II- 7. N-(5-ethyl-2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine,

II- 8. N-(5-buthyl-2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine,

II- 9. N-(4,6-dimethyl-2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine,

II-10. N-(3-chloro 2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine,

II-11. N-(5-chloro-2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine,

II-12. N-(5-chloro-2-pyridylmethyl)trimethylenediamine,

II-13. N-(3,5-dichloro-2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine,

II-14. N-(5-fluoro-2-pyridylmethyl)trimethylenediamine,

II-15. N-(6-bromo-2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine,

II-16. N-[2-(5-ethyl-2-pyridyl)ethyl]trimethylenediamine,

II-17. N-(6-chloro-4-methyl-2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine,

II-18. N-(5-methyl-3-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine,

II-19. N-(2-methyl-5-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine,

II-20. N-(2-methyl-5-pyridylmethyl)trimethylenediamine,

II-21. N-(2-phenyl-5-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine,

II-22. N-(2-phenyl-5-pyridylmethyl)trimethylenediamine,

II-23. N-(2-benzyl-5-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine,

II-24. N-(2-chloro-3-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine,

II-25. N-(2-chloro-3-pyridylmethyl)trimethylenediamine,

II-26 .N-(5-chloro-3-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine,

II-27. N-(5-chloro-3-pyridylmethyl)trimethylenediamine,

II 28. N-(5-bromo-3-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine,

II-29. N-(5-bromo-3-pyridylmethyl)trimethylenediamine,

II-30. N-(2-bromo-5-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine,

II-31. N-(2-bromo-5-pyridylmethyl)trimethylenediamine,

II-32. N (5-fluoro-3-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine,

II-33. N-(2-fluoro-5-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine,

II-34. N-(2-fluoro-5-pyridylmethyl)trimethylenediamine,

II-35. N-[1-(2-fluoro-5-pyridyl)ethyl]ethylenediamine,

II-36. N-[2-methyl-1-(2-fluoro-5-pyridyl)propyl]ethylenediamine

II-37. N-2-(2-fluoro-5-pyridyl)ethyl]ethylenediamine,

II-38. N-[3-(2-bromo-5-pyridyl)propyl]trimethylenedimine,

II-39. N-(2-bromo-5-pyridylmethyl)tetramethylenediamine,

II-40. N-[4-(2-bromo-5-pyridyl)butyl]trimethylenediamine,

II-41. N-(2-chloro-6-methyl-3-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine,

II-42. N-(2,4-dichloro-5-pyridylmethyl)trimethylenediamine,

II-43. N-(2,6-dichloro-3-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine,

II-44. N-(2,4-dibromo-5-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine,

II-45. N-(2,4-difluoro-5-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine,

II-46. N-(2,4,5,6-tetrafluoro-3-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine,

II-47. N-(2,4,5,6-tetrachloro-3-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine,

II-48. N-(2-methoxy-3-pyridylmethyl)trimethylenediamine,

II-49. N-(2-methoxy-5-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine,

II-50. N-(2-methoxy-5-pyridylmethyl)trimethylenediamine,

II-51. N-(2-ethoxy-5-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine,

II-52. N-(2-ethoxy-5-pyridylmethyl)trimethylenediamine,

II-53. N-(2-iso-propoxy-5-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine,

II-54. N-(2-phenoxy-5-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine,

II-55. N-(2-phenoxy-5-pyridylmethyl)trimethylenediamine,

II-56. N-[2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)-5-pyridylmethyl]ethylenediamine,

II-57. N-(2-methylthio 3-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine,

II-58. N-(2-methylthio-5-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine,

II-59. N-(2-methylthio-5-pyridylmethyl)trimethylenediamine,

II-60. N-(4-methyl-2-methylthio-5-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine,

II-61. N-(2-phenylthio-5-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine,

II-62. N-[2-(4-chlorophenylthio)-5-pyridylmethyl]ethylenediamine,

II-63. N-(2-ethylthio 5-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine,

II-64. N-(2-methylsulfinyl-5-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine,

II-65. N-(2-methylsulfonyl-5-pyridylmethyl)trimethylenediamine,

II-66. N-(4-chloro-2-fluoro-5-pyridylmethyl)trimethylenediamine,

II-67. N-(6-chloro-2-methyl-3-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine,

II-68. N-(2-chloro-4-methyl-5-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine,

II-69. N-(2-allyl-5-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine,

II-70. N-(2-propargyl-5-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine,

II-71. N-(2,3-dichloro-5-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine,

II-72. N-2-(1-propenyl)-5-pyridylmethyl]ethylenediamine,

II-73. N-(2-chloro-4-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine,

II-74. N-(2-chloro-4-pyridylmethyl)trimethylenediamine,

II-75. N-(2-fluoro-4-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine,

II-76. N-(2-fluoro-4-pyridylmethyl)trimethylenediamine,

II-77. N-(2,6-dichloro-4-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine,

II-78. N-(2,6-difluoro-4-pyridylmethyl)trimethylenediamine,

II-79. N-(2-methyl-4-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine,

II-80. N-(2-methyl-4-pyridylmethyl)trimethylenediamine,

II-81. N-[1-(2-chloro-4-pyridyl)ethyl]ethylenediamine,

II-82. N-(2-chloro-6-methyl-4-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine,

II-83. N-(2-chloro-6-methyl-4-pyridylmethyl)trimethylenediamine,

II-84. N-(2,6-dimethyl-4-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine,

II-85. N-(2-bromo-4-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine,

II-86. N-(2,6-dibromo-4-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine,

II-87. N-(2,3,5,6-tetrafluoro-4-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine,

II-88. N-(2,3,5,6-tetrafluoro-4-pyridyl)trimethylenediamine,

II-90. N-(3-chloro2-fluoro-5-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine,

II-91. N-(3-bromo-2-fluoro-5-pyridylmethyl)ethylendiamine,

II-92. N-(2-chloro-3-fluoro-5-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine,

II-93. N-(2,3,4-trichloro-5-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine,

II-94. N-(3-chloro-2-methylthio-5-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine,

II-95. N-(2-chloro-5-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine,

II-96. N-2-(2-chloro-5-pyridyl)ethyl]ethylenediamine,

II-97. N-(2-chloro 5-pyridylmethyl)trimethylenediamine,

II-98. N-2-(2-chloro-5-pyridyl)ethyl]trimethylenediamine,

II-99. N-1-(2-chloro-5-pyridyl)ethyl]trimethylenediamine,

II-100. N-[3-(2-chloro-5-pyridyl)propyl]trimethylenediamine,

II-101. N-1-(2-chloro-5-pyridyl)ethyl]ethylenediamine,

II-102. N-2-chloro-5-pyridylmethyl)tetramethylenediamine,

II-103. N-[4-(2-chloro-5-pyridyl)butyl]trimethylenediamine,

II-104. N-[1-(2-chloro-5-pyridyl)propyl],trimethylenediamine, and

II-105. N-[2-methyl-1-(2-chloro-5-pyridyl)propyl]ethylenediamine.

Specific examples of the compound of general formula (III) which islikewise a starting material include

1-nitro-2,2-bis(methylthio)ethylene,

1-nitro-2,2-bis(ethylthio)ethylene,

1-nitro-2,2-bis(benzylthio)ethylene, and

2 -nitromethylene-1,3-dithiolane.

The above process is specifically described by the followingillustrative example: ##STR12##

Desirably,.the above process for producing the compound of thisinvention can be carried out using a solvent or a diluent. For thispurpose, all inert solvents and diluents can be used.

Examples of such solvents or diluents include water; aliphatic,alicyclic and aromatic hydrocarbons (which may optionally bechlorinated) such as hexane, cyclohexane, petroleum ether, ligroin,benzene, toluene, xylene, methylene, chloride, chloroform, carbontetrachloride, ethylene chloride, trichloro ethylene and chlorobenzene;ethers such as diethyl ether, methyl ethyl ether, diisopropyl ether,dibutyl ether, propylene oxide, dioxane and tetrahydrofuran; ketonessuch as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isopropyl ketone and methylisobutyl ketone; nitriles such as acetonitrile, propionitrile andacrylonitrile; alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, butanoland ethylene glycol; esters such as ethyl acetate and amyl acetate; acidamides such as dimethylformamide and dimethylacetamide; sulfones andsulfoxides such as dimethyl sulfoxide and sulfolane; and bases such aspyridine.

The above process can be carried out over a wide temperature range.Generally, it can be carried out at a temperature between about -20° C.and the boiling point of the mixture, preferably between about 0° C. andabout 100° C. Desirably, the reaction is carried out under normalatomospheric pressure, but it is also possible to operate under elevatedor reduced pressures.

The compounds of general formula (I) in accordance with this inventionmay also be produced by an alternative process schematically shownbelow.

Alternative process 1 ##STR13##

(In the above formulae, R, X, l, m, n and Y are as defined hereinabove.)

The compounds of general formula (II) in accordance with this inventioncan be produced for example, by the following process (ii):

Process (ii) ##STR14##

(In the formulae, R, X, l, m, n and Y are as defined hereinabove.)

In the above reaction scheme, R, X, l, m and n may be the same as thosegiven above for the process (i). Y represents halogen atom such asfluoro, chloro, bromo and iodo, or the group --OSO₂ R", in which R"represents the same lower alkyl as exemplified above for the process(i), or aryl groups such as phenyl and p-tolyl.

In the process for producing the compounds of general formula (II) ofthis invention represented by the reaction scheme, specific examples ofthe starting compound of general formula (IV) include

IV- 1. 5-methyl-2-pyridylmethyl chloride,

IV- 2. 6-methyl-2-pyridylmethyl chloride,

IV- 3. 4-methyl-2-pyridylmethyl chloride,

IV- 4. 5-ethyl-2-pyridylmethyl chloride,

IV- 5. 5-butyl-2-pyridylmethyl chloride,

IV- 6. 4,6-dimethyl-2-pyridylmethyl chloride,

IV- 7. 3-chloro-2-pyridylmethyl chloride,

IV- 8. 5-chloro-2-pyridylmethyl chloride,

IV- 9. 3,5-dichloro-2-pyridylmethyl chloride,

IV-10. 5-fluoro-2-pyridylmethyl chloride,

IV-11. 6-bromo-2-pyridylmethyl chloride,

IV-12. 2-(5-ethyl-2-pyridyl)ethyl chloride,

IV-13. 6-chloro-4-methyl-2-pyridylmathyl chloride,

IV-14. 5-methyl-3-pyridylmethyl chloride,

IV-15. 2-methyl-5-pyridylmethyl chloride,

IV-16. 2-phenyl-5-pyridylmethyl chloride,

IV-17. 2-benzyl-5-pyridylmethyl chloride,

IV-18. 2-chloro-3-pyridylmethyl chloride,

IV-19. 5-chloro 3-pyridylmethyl chloride,

IV-20. 5-bromo-3-pyridylmethyl chloride,

IV-21. 2-bromo-5-pyridylmethyl chloride,

IV-22. 5-fluoro-3-pyridylmethyl chloride,

IV-23. 2-fluoro-5-pyridylmethyl chloride,

IV-24. 1-(2-fluoro-5-pyridyl)ethyl chloride,

IV-25. 2-methyl-1-(2-fluoro-5-pyridyl)propyl.chloride,

IV-26. 2-(2-fluoro-5-pyridyl)ethyl chloride,

IV-27. 3-(2-bromo-5-pyridyl)propyl chloride,

IV-28. 2-bromo-5-pyridylmethyl chloride,

IV-29. 4-(2-bromo-5-pyridyl)butyl chloride,

IV-30. 2-chloro-6-methyl-3-pyridylmethyl chloride,

IV-31. 2,4-dichloro-5-pyridylmethyl chloride,

IV-32. 2,6-dichloro-5-pyridylmethyl chloride,

IV-33. 2,4-dibromo-5-pyridylmethyl chloride,

IV-34. 2,4-difluoro-5-pyridylmethyl chloride,

IV-35. 2,4,5,6-tetrafluoro-3-pyridylmethyl chloride,

IV-36. 2,4,5,6-tetrachloro-3-pyridylmethyl chloride,

IV-37. 2-methoxy-3-pyridylmethyl chloride,

IV-38. 2-methoxy-5-pyridylmethyl chloride,

IV-39 2-ethoxy-5-pyridylmethyl chloride,

IV-40. 2-isopropoxy-5-pyridylmethyl chloride,

IV 41. 2-phenoxy-5-pyridylmethyl chloride,

IV-42. 2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)-5-pyridylmethyl chloride,

IV-43. 2-methylthio-3-pyridylmethyl chloride,

IV 44. 2-methylthio-5-pyridylmethyl chloride,

IV-45. 4-methyl-2-methylthio-5-pyridylmethyl chloride,

IV-46. 2-phenylthio-5-pyridylmethyl chloride

IV-47. 2-(4-chlorophenylthio)-5-pyridylmethyl chloride,

IV-48. 2-ethylthio-5-pyridylmethyl chloride,

IV-49. 2-methylsufinyl-5-pyridylmethyl chloride,

IV-50. 2-methylsufonyl-5-pyridylmethyl chloride,

IV-51. 4-chloro-2-fluoro-5-pyridylmethyl chloride,

IV-52. 6-chloro-2-methyl-3-pyridylmethyl chloride,

IV-53. 2-chloro-4-methyl-5-pyridylmethyl chloride,

IV-54. 2-allyl-5-pyridylmethyl chloride,

IV-55. 2-propargyl-5-pyridylmethyl chloride,

IV-56. 2,3-dichloro-5-pyridylmethyl chloride,

IV-57. 2-(1-propenyl)-5-pyridylmethyl chloride,

IV-58. 2-chloro-4-pyridylmethyl chloride,

IV-59. 2-fluoro-4-pyridylmethyl chloride,

IV-60. 2,6-dichloro-4-pyridylmethyl chloride,

IV-61. 2,6-difluoro-4-pyridylmethyl chloride,

IV-62. 2-methyl-4-pyridylmethyl chloride,

IV-63. 1-(2-chloro-4-pyridyl)ethyl chloride,

IV-64. 2-chloro 6-methyl-4-pyridylmethyl chloride,

IV-65. 2,6-dimethyl-4-pyridylmethyl chloride,

IV-66. 2-bromo-4-pyridylmethyl chloride,

IV-67. 2,6-dibromo-4-pyridylmethyl chloride, PG,21

IV-68. 2,3,5,6-tetrafluoro-4-pyridylmethyl chloride,

IV-69. 3-chloro-2 fluoro-5-pyridylmethyl chloride,

IV-70. 3-bromo-2-fluoro-5-pyridylmethyl chloride,

IV-71. 2-chloro-3-fluoro-5-pyridylmethyl chloride,

IV-72. 2,3,4-trichloro-5-pyridylmethyl chloride,

IV-73. 3-chloro-2-methylthio-5-pyridylmethyl chloride

IV-75. 2-(2-chloro5-pyridyl)ethyl chloride,

IV-76. 1 (2-chloro-5-pyridyl)ethyl chloride, and

IV 77. 3-(2-chloro-5-pyridyl)propyl chloride.

The corresponding bromides and p-toluenesulfonates can also be citedinstead of the above chlorides.

Specific examples of the compound of general formula (V) which islikewise a starting material include

ethylenediamine,

trimethylenediamine, and

tetramethylenediamine.

The above process is specifically described by the followingillustrative example: ##STR15##

The above process can be carried out by using the same inert solvents ordiluents as exemplified for the process (i).

The above reaction may be carried out in the presence of an acid binder.Examples of the acid binder are the hydroxides, carbonates, bicarbonatesand alcoholates of alkali metals, and tertiary amines such astriethylamine, diethylaniline and pyridine, which are generally used.

As is the case with the process (i), the above process can be carriedout over a wide temperature range. The reaction is carried out desirablyunder normal atmospheric pressure, but it is also possible to operateunder elevated or reduced pressure.

The compounds of general formula (II), provided that n represents 0, mayalso be produced by a process schematically shown below as analternative process in addition to the above process (ii).

Alternative process 2 ##STR16##

(In the formulae, X, R, l, and m are as defined hereinabove.)

As shown by the above reaction scheme, the compound of general formula(II') can be produced by reacting a reducing agent such as sodiumborohydride (NaBH₄) or the like with the imine which is produced byreacting the pyridine aldehyde derivative or the pyridylalkylketonederivative of general formula (VII) with the compound of general formula(V).

Moreover, the compounds of general formula (II), provided that Rrepresents a hydrogen atom and n represents 0, may also be produced by aprocess schematically shown below as an alternative process.

Alternative process 3 ##STR17##

(In the formulae, X, l, and m are as defined hereinabove.)

As shown by the above reaction scheme, the compounds of general formula(II') can be produced by reacting a reducing agent such as lithiumaluminum hydride (LiAlH₄) or the like with the nicotinic amidederivative or the picolinic amide derivative which is produced byreacting the pyridylcarbonyl chloride derivative of general formula(VIII) with the compound of general formula (V).

The compound of general formula (II), provided that R represents ahydrogen atom, n represents 0 and m represents 3, may also be producedby a process schematically shown below as an alternative process.

Alternative process 4 ##STR18##

(In the formulae, X and l, are as defined hereinabove.)

As shown by the above reaction scheme, the compounds of general formula(II'") can be produced by reducing, in accordance with the same asaforesaid alternative process 2, the adducts which are produced byreacting acrylonitrile with the compounds of general formula (IX). Forexample, N-(2-chloro-5-pyridylmethyl)trimethylenediamine which iscompound No. II-97 mentioned later can also be produced by the abovealternative process 4.

The compounds of general formula (II), provided that m represents 2, mayalso be produced by a process schematically shown below as analternative process.

Alternative process 5 ##STR19##

(In the formulae, R, X, l and n are as defined hereinabove.)

As shown by the above reaction scheme, the compounds of general formula(II"") can also be produced by reacting the pyridylalkylaminederivatives ofgeneral formula (X) with ethyleneimine.

The compounds of this invention may be present in the form of salts. Thesalts may, for example, be inorganic salts, sulfonates, organic acidsalts, and metal salts. Specific examples of the compounds of thisinvention in the form of salts include

1-(2-chloro-5-pyridylmethyl)-2-(nitromethylene) tetrahydropyrimidinehydrochloride,

1-(2-chloro-5-pyridylmethyl)-2-(nitromethylene) tetrahydropyrimidinep-toluenesulfonate,

1-(2-chloro-5-pyridylmethyl)-2-(nitromethylene) imidazolidinehydrochloride,

1-(2-chloro-5-pyridylmethyl)-2-(nitromethylene) imidazolidine cupricacetate,

1-(2-bromo-5-pyridylmethyl)-2-(nitromethylene) tetrahydropyrimidinehydrochloride,

1-(2-methoxy-5-pyridylmethyl)-2-(nitromethylene) imidazolidinehydrochloride,

1-(2-fluoro-5-pyridylmethyl)-2-(nitromethylene) imidazolidinep-toluenesulfonate,

1-(2-bromo-5-pyridylmethyl)-2-(nitromethylene)tetrahydropyrimidine.cupric acetate, and

1-(3-bromo-5-pyridylmethyl)-2-(nitromethylene) imidazolidine succinate.

As insecticides, the compounds of this invention may be used directlyupon dilution with water, or in various formulations obtained by methodsgenerally practiced in the production of agricultural chemicals usingagriculturally acceptable adjuvants. In actual use, these variousformulations may be applied directly or after diluting them with waterto the desired concentrations.

The agriculturally acceptable adjuvants as referred to herin include,for example, diluents (solvents, extenders, carriers), surface-activeagents (solubilizing agents), emulsifiers, dispersing agents, wettingagents, stabilizers, stickers, aerosol propellants and synergists..

Examples of the solvents are water, and organic solvents, for examplehydrocarbons [such as n-hexane, petroleum ether, petroleum fractions(e.g. paraffin waxes, kerosene, light oils, middle oils, and heavyoils), benzene, toluene, and xylene], halogenated hydrocarbons (such asmethylene chloride, carbon tetrachloride, ethylene chloride, ethylenedibromide, chlorobenzene and chloroform), alcohols (such as methanol,ethanol, propanol and ethylene glycol), ethers (such as diethyl ether,ethylene oxide and dioxane), alcohol ethers (such as ethylene glycolmonomethyl ether), ketones (such as acetone and isophorone), esters(such as ethyl acetate and amyl acetate), amides (such asdimethylformamide and dimethylacetamide) and sulfoxides (such asdimethyl sulfoxide).

Examples of the extenders or carriers include inorganic powders, forexample slaked lime, magnesium lime, gypsum, calcium carbonate, silica,perlite, pumice, calcite, diatomaceous earth, amorphous silica, alumina,zeolites, and clay minerals (such as pyrophyllite, talc,montmorillonite, beidellite, vermiculite, kaolinite and mica); vegetablepowders such as cereal powders, starches, processed starches, sugar,glucose and crushed stalks of plants; and powders of synthetic resinssuch as phenolic resins, urea resins, and vinyl chloride resins.

Examples of the surface-active agents include anionic surface-activeagents such as alkylsulfonic acid esters (such as sodium laurylsulfate),arylsulfonic acids (such as alkylarylsulfonic acid salts and sodiumalkylnaphthalenesulfonates), succinic acid salts, and salts of sulfuricacid esters of polyethylene glycol alkylaryl ethers; cationicsurface-active agents such as alkylamines (e.g., laurylamine, stearyltrimethyl ammonium chloride and alkyl dimethylbenzyl ammonium chlorides)and polyoxyethylene alkylamines; nonionic surface-active agents such aspolyoxyethylene glycol ethers (e.g., polyoxyethylene alkylaryl ethersand the condensation products thereof), polyoxyethylene glycol esters(e.g., polyoxyethylene fatty acid esters), and polyhydric alcohol esters(e.g., polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate); and amphotericsurface-active agents.

Examples of other adjuvants include stabilizers; stickers (such asagricultural soaps, casein lime, sodium alginate, polyvinyl alcohol,vinyl acetate-type adhesives and acrylic adhesives); aerosol propellants(such as trichlorofluoromethane, dichlorofluoromethane,1,2,2-trichloro-1,1,2-trifluoroethane, chlorobenzene, LNG, and lowerethers); combustion controlling agents for fumigants (such as nitrites,zinc powder and dicyandiamide); oxygen-yielding agents (such aschlorates); effect-prolonging agents; dispersion stabilizers [such ascasein, tragacanth, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), and polyvinyl alcohol(PVA)]; and synergists.

The compounds of this invention can be formulated into various forms bymethods generally practiced in the production of agricultural chemicals.Illustrative of such forms are emulsifiable concentrates, oilpreparations, wettable powders, soluble powders, suspensions, dusts,granules, pulverulent preparations, fumigants, tablets, aerosols, pastesand capsules.

The insecticides of this invention may contain about 0.1 to about 95% byweight, preferably about 0.5 to about 90% by weight, of the aforesaidactive ingredient.

In actual use, the suitable amount of the active compound in theaforesaid various formulations and ready-to-use preparations isgenerally about 0.0001 to about 20% by weight, preferably about 0.005 toabout 10% by weight.

The content of the active ingredient can be properly varied dependingupon the type of the formulation, the method, purpose, time and locus ofits application, and the state of occurrence of noxious insects.

If required, the compounds of this invention may be used in combinationwith other agricultural chemicals, for example other insecticides,fungicides, other miticides, other nematocides, antiviral agents,herbicides, plant growth regulators and attractants (such asorganophosphate compounds, carbamate compounds, dithio (or thiol)carbamate compounds, organochlorine compounds, dinitro compounds,organosulfur or organometallic compounds, antibiotics, substituteddiphenyl ether compounds, urea compounds, and triazine compounds),and/or fertilizers.

Various formulations and ready-to-use preparations containing theaforesaid active ingredient of the invention can be applied by variousmethods generally practiced in the field of agricultural chemicalapplication, for example spraying (liquid spraying, misting, atomizing,dusting, granule scattering, water surface application, pouring, etc.);fumigation; soil application (mixing, sprinkling, vaporing, pouring,etc.); surface application (coating, banding, powder coating, covering,etc.); dipping; and baiting. It can also be used by the so-calledultralow volume spraying method. According to this method, the activeingredient may be included in an amount of 100%.

The rate of application per unit area is, for example, about 0.03 toabout 10 Kg, preferably about 0.3 to about 6 Kg, per hectare. In specialcases, however, it may, and sometimes should, be outside the specifiedrange.

According to this invention, there can be provided an insecticidalcomposition comprising the compound of general formula (I) as an activeingredient and a diluent (a solvent and/or an extender and/or a carrier)and/or a surface-active agent, and if further required, a stabilizer, asticker, a synergist, etc.

This invention also provides a method for controlling noxious insects,which comprises applying to a noxious insect and/or its habitat or thelocus of its occurrence the compound of general formula (I) alone or inadmixture with a diluent (a solvent and/or an extender and/or a carrier)and/or a surface-active agent and if further required, a stabilizer, asticker, a synergist, etc.

The following examples illustrate the present invention specifically. Itshould be noted however that the invention is not limited to thesespecific examples alone.

EXAMPLE 1

2-chloro-5-pyridylmethyl chloride (16.2 g) in a solution of acetonitrile(30 ml) was added dropwise to a solution of ethylenediamine (18 g) inacetonitrile (100 ml) at room temperature during 1 hour.

The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for an hour andnext at 40° C. for 2 hours.

After the stirring, acetonitrile was evaporated under reduce pressure.Ether was added to the residue and insoluble salts were filtrated off,and then ether and excess ethylenediamine were evaporated under reducedpressure to give N-(2-chloro-5-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine (16 g) ofthe following formula as colorless oil. n_(D) ²⁰ 1.5627 ##STR20##

EXAMPLE 2

2-bromo-5-pyridylmethyl bromide (25 g) in a solution of acetonitrile wasadded dropwise to a solution of ethylenediamine (30 g) in acetonitrile(80 ml) at 0° C. After the reaction was stirred at room temperature forsome time, the produced insoluble salts were filtrated off and then thefiltrate was concentrated on a water bath at 40° C. to giveN-(2-bromo-5-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine (22 g). n_(D) ²⁶ 1.5586##STR21##

EXAMPLE 3

6-methylpicolinic aldehyde (12.1 g) was added to a solution ofethylenediamine (24 g) in anhydrous dioxane (200 ml). The mixture wasstirred at room temperature for 3 hours. After the stirring, the mixturewas heated and the mixture (120 ml) of the dioxane and the producedwater was distilled off to complete the Schiff's base reaction. Thecontents were cooled at room temperature and sodium borohydride (7.6 g)was added to the contents incrementally. After the adding, the mixturewas stirred at room temperature for 8 hours. After the volatile matterwas distilled in vaccum from the mixture, ice water was added to theresidue and the product was extracted with chloroform. The extract wasevaporated to give N-(2-methyl-6-pyridylmethyl) ethylenediamine (8.3 g).b.p. 127°-129° C./0.1mmHg ##STR22##

EXAMPLE 4

2-Ethoxy-5-pyridylmethyl chloride hydrochloride (9.6 g) in an aqueoussolution was added dropwise to the mixed solution of trimethylenediamine(11.1 g) and 20% aqueous solution (22 g) of sodium hydroxide at 0°-5° C.After the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for sometime, water and excess trimethylenediamine were distilled off underreduced pressure from the contents and after the inorganic salts werefiltered off, the produced viscous and oily substance was evaporated invaccum to give N-(2-ethoxy-5-pyridylmethyl) trimethylenediamine (6.3 g).b.p. 134°-135° C./0.08 mmHg ##STR23##

EXAMPLE 5

Table 1 below shows the compounds of general formula (II) which weresynthesized the same way as in Examples 1, 2 or 4.

                  TABLE 1                                                         ______________________________________                                         ##STR24##                                                                    Com-                  Pyridine-                                               pound                 bonded                                                  No.   m     n     R   position                                                                             X.sub.l physical constant                        ______________________________________                                        II-1  2     O     H   2-position                                                                           5-CH.sub.3                                                                            n.sub.D.sup.20 1.5397                    II-2  3     O     H   2-position                                                                           5-CH.sub.3                                                                            n.sub.D.sup.20 1.5348                    II-20 3     O     H   5-position                                                                           2-CH.sub.3                                                                            b.p. 134˜135° C./                                                0.1 mmHg                                 II-24 2     O     H   3-position                                                                           2-Cl    n.sub.D.sup.25 1.5575                    II-31 3     O     H   5-position                                                                           2-Br    n.sub.D.sup.26 1.5581                    II-33 2     O     H   5-position                                                                           2-F     b.p. 118˜120° C./                                                0.1 mmHg                                 II-34 3     O     H   5-position                                                                           2-F     b.p. 120˜122° C./                                                0.1 mmHg                                 II-51 2     O     H   5-position                                                                           2-OCH.sub.3                                                                           b.p. 142˜144° C./                                                0.1 mmHg                                 II-54 2     O     H   5-position                                                                            ##STR25##                                                                            n.sub.D.sup.27 1.5845                    II-55 3     O     H   5-position                                                                            ##STR26##                                                                            n.sub.D.sup.27 1.5775                    II-58 2     O     H   5-position                                                                           2-SCH.sub.3                                                                           b.p. 130˜131° C/                                                 0.07 mmHg                                II-59 3     O     H   5-position                                                                           2-SCH.sub.3                                                                           b.p. 143˜145° C./                                                0.1 mmHg                                 II-97 3     O     H   5-position                                                                           2-Cl    n.sub.D.sup.22 1.5562                    ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 6

Table 2 below shows the compounds of general formula (II) which werefurther synthesized the same way as in the above Example 1, 2 or 4 forthe purpose of supplying the starting materials for the synthesis of thecompounds of general formula (I).

                  TABLE 2                                                         ______________________________________                                        Com-                                                                          pound                                                                         No.   Compounds (products)                                                    ______________________________________                                        II-3. N--(6-methyl-2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine                            II-4. N--(6-methyl-2-pyridylmethyl)trimethylenediamine                        II-5. N--(4-methyl-2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine                            II-6. N--(4-methyl-2-pyridylmethyl)trimethylenediamine                        II-7. N--(5-ethyl-2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine                             II-8. N--(5-buthyl-2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine                            II-9. N--(4,6-dimethyl-2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine                        II-10.                                                                              N--(3-chloro-2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine                            II-11.                                                                              N--(5-chloro-2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine                            II-12.                                                                              N--(5-chloro-2-pyridylmethyl)trimethylenediamine                        II-13.                                                                              N--(3,5-dichloro-2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine                        II-14.                                                                              N--(5-fluoro-2-pyridylmethyl)trimethylenediamine                        II-15.                                                                              N--(6-bromo-2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine                             II-16.                                                                              N--[2-(5-ethyl-2-pyridyl)ethyl]trimethylenediamine                      II-17.                                                                              N--(6-chloro-4-methyl-2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine                   II-18.                                                                              N--(5-methyl-3-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine                            II-21.                                                                              N--(2-phenyl-5-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine                            II-22.                                                                              N--(2-phenyl-5-pyridylmethyl)trimethylenediamine                        II-23.                                                                              N--(2-benzyl-5-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine                            II-25.                                                                              N--(2-chloro-3-pyridylmethyl)trimethylenediamine                        II-26.                                                                              N--(5-chloro-3-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine                            II-27.                                                                              N--(5-chloro-3-pyridylmethyl)trimethylenediamine                        II-28.                                                                              N--(5-bromo-3-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine                             II-29.                                                                              N--(5-bromo-3-pyridylmethyl)trimethylenediamine                         II-32.                                                                              N--(5-fluoro-3-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine                            II-35.                                                                              N--[1-(2-fluoro-5-pyridyl)ethyl]ethylenediamine                         II-36.                                                                              N--[2-methyl-1-(2-fluoro-5-pyridyl)propyl]                                    ethylenediamine                                                         II-37.                                                                              N--[2-(2-fluoro-5-pyridyl)ethyl]ethylenediamine                         II-38.                                                                              N--[3-(2-bromo-5-pyridyl)propyl]trimethylenediamine                     II-39.                                                                              N--(2-bromo-5-pyridylmethyl)tetramethylenediamine                       II-40.                                                                              N--[4-(2-bromo-5-pyridyl)butyl]trimethylenediamine                      II-41.                                                                              N--(2-chloro-6-methyl-3-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine                   II-42.                                                                              N--(2,4-dichloro-5-pyridylmethyl)trimethylenediamine                    II-43.                                                                              N--(2,6-dichloro-3-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine                        II-44.                                                                              N--(2,4-dibromo-5-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine                         II-45.                                                                              N--(2,4-difluoro-5-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine                        II-46.                                                                              N--(2,4,5,6-tetrafluoro-3-pyridylmethyl)ethylene-                             diamine                                                                 II-47.                                                                              N--(2,4,5,6-tetrachloro-3-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine                 II-48.                                                                              N--(2-methoxy-3-pyridylmethyl)trimethylenediamine                       II-49.                                                                              N--(2-methoxy-5-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine                           II-50.                                                                              N--(2-methoxy-5-pyridylmethyl)trimethylenediamine                       II-53.                                                                              N--(2-isopropoxy-5-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine 5-pyridylmethyl)eth          ylenediamine                                                            II-56.                                                                              N--[2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)-5-pyridylmethyl]                                  ethylenediamine                                                         II-57.                                                                              N--(2-methylthio-3-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine                        II-60.                                                                              N--(4-methyl-2-methylthio-5-pyridylmethyl)                                    ethylenediamine                                                         II-61.                                                                              N--(2-phenylthio-5-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine                        II-62.                                                                              N--[2-(4-chlorophenylthio)-5-pyridylmethyl]                                   ethylenediamine                                                         II-63.                                                                              N--(2-ethylthio-5-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine                         II-64.                                                                              N--(2-methylsulfinyl-5-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine                    II-65.                                                                              N--(2-methylsulfonyl-5-pyridylmethyl)-                                        trimethylenediamine                                                     II-66.                                                                              N--(4-chloro-2-fluoro-5-pyridylmethyl)                                        trimethylenediamine                                                     II-67.                                                                              N--(6-chloro-2-methyl-3-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine                   II-68.                                                                              N--(2-chloro-4-methyl-5-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine                   II-69.                                                                              N--(2-allyl-5-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine                             II-70.                                                                              N--(2-propargyl-5-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine                         II-71.                                                                              N--(2,3-dichloro-5-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine                        II-72.                                                                              N--[2-(1-propenyl)-5-pyridylmethyl]ethylenediamine                      II-73.                                                                              N--(2-chloro-4-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine                            II-74.                                                                              N--(2-chloro-4-pyridylmethyl)trimethylenediamine                        II-75.                                                                              N--(2-fluoro-4-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine                            II-76.                                                                              N--(2-fluoro-4-pyridylmethyl)trimethylenediamine pyridylmethyl)trime          thylenediamine                                                          II-77.                                                                              N--(2,6-dichloro-4-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine                        II-78.                                                                              N--(2,6-difluoro-4-pyridylmethyl)trimethylenediamine                    II-79.                                                                              N--(2-methyl-4-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine                            II-80.                                                                              N--(2-methyl-4-pyridylmethyl)trimethylenediamine                        II-81.                                                                              N--[1-(2-chloro-4-pyridyl)ethyl]ethylenediamine                         II-82.                                                                              N--(2-chloro-6-methyl-4-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine                   II-83.                                                                              N--(2-chloro-6-methyl-4-pyridylmethyl)                                        trimethylenediamine                                                     II-84.                                                                              N--(2,6-dimethyl-4-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine                        II-85.                                                                              N--(2-bromo-4-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine                             II-86.                                                                              N--(2,6-dibromo-4-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine                         II-87.                                                                              N--(2,3,5,6-tetrafluoro-4-pyridylmethyl)                                      ethylenediamine                                                         II-88.                                                                              N--(2,3,5,6-tetrafluoro-4-pyridyl)trimethylene-                               diamine                                                                 II-89.                                                                              N--(2,6-dichloro-4-pyridylmethyl)trimethylenediamine                    II-90.                                                                              N--(3-chloro-2-fluoro-5-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine                   II-91.                                                                              N--(3-brome-2-fluoro-5-pyridylmethyl)ethylene-                                diamine                                                                 II-92.                                                                              N--(2-chloro-3-fluoro-5-pyridylmethyl)                                        ethylenediamine                                                         II-93.                                                                              N--(2,3,4-trichloro-5-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine                     II-94.                                                                              N--(3-chloro-2-methylthio-5-pyridylmethyl)                                    ethylenediamine                                                         II-96.                                                                              N--[2-(2-chloro-5-pyridyl)ethyl]ethylenediamine                         II-98.                                                                              N--[2-(2-chloro-5-pyridyl)ethyl]trimethylenediamine                     II-99.                                                                              N--[1-(2-chloro-5-pyridyl)ethyl]trimethylenediamine                     II-100.                                                                             N--[3-(2-chloro-5-pyridyl)propyl]trimethylenediamine                    II-101.                                                                             N--[1-(2-chloro-5-pyridyl)ethyl]ethylenediamine                         II-102.                                                                             N--(2-chloro-5-pyridylmethyl)tetramethylenediamine                      II-103.                                                                             N--[4-(2-chloro-5-pyridyl)butyl]trimethylenediamine                     II-104.                                                                             N--[1-(2-chloro-5-pyridyl)propyl]trimethylenediamine                    II-105.                                                                             N--2-methyl-1-(2-chloro-5-pyridyl)propyl]                                     ethylenediamine                                                         ______________________________________                                    

The referential examples beolow illustrate synthesis of the compounds ofgeneral formula (IV) which are the intermediates for the aforesaidcompounds of general formula (II) and part of which is new.

REFERENTIAL EXAMPLE 1a

15% methylmercaptan sodium salt (77 g) was added to 6-chloronicotinicacid (15.8 g) dissolved in 20% aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide (22g). The reaction mixture was stirred at 70°˜80° C. for 10 hours. Afterthe cooling, the precipitate produced by neutralization was collected byfiltration and recrystallized from chloroform to give6-methylthionicotinic acid (15.3 g). m.p. 186°˜188° C. ##STR27##

REFERENTIAL EXAMPLE 1b

Thionylchloride (23.8 g) was added to 6-methylthionicotinic acid (15.3g) (from the above referential example 1a). The reaction mixture wasgradually heated with stirring and refluxed until the generation ofhydrogen chloride ceased. 6-methylthionicotinoylchloride wasstoichiometricly obtained by distilling off excess thionylchloride underreduced pressure. 6-methylthionicotinoylchloride dissolved in ether wasadded dropwise to 20% aqueous solution of sodium borohydride (6.5 g) at0°˜10° C. After adding, the mixture was stirred for one hour and theether layer was separated and dried. The ether layer was evaporatedunder reduced pressure to give 2-methylthiopyridine-5-methanol (9.6 g).n_(D) ²² 1.6084

REFERENTIAL EXAMPLE 1c

Thionylchloride (7.7 g) was added to 2-methylthiopyridine-5-methanol(7.8 g) (from the above referential example 1c) in chloroform (30 ml) atroom temperature. After stirring for some time, the volatile matter wasdistilled off under reduced pressure to give 2-methylthio-5-chloromethylpyridine hydrochloride (10.4 g) stoichiometrically. ##STR28## Thecompounds synthesized the same way as in the above referential examples1a, 1b, 1c are exemplified below. Method of referential example 1a:##STR29## Method of referential example 1b: ##STR30## Method ofreferential example 1c: ##STR31##

EXAMPLE 7

N-(2-chloro-5-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine (18.6 g),1-nitro-2,2-bis(methylthio)ethylene (16.5 g) and methanol (100 ml) weremixed at room temperature.

The mixture was gradually heated with stirring and stirred at 50° C.until the generation of methylmercaptan ceased. After the reaction, thereaction mixture was cooled to room temperature and the resultingcrystals were collected by filtration to give1-(2-chloro-5-pyridylmethyl)-2-(nitromethylene)-imidazolidine (19 g) ofthe following formula as pale yellow crystals: m.p. 165°˜166° C.##STR32##

EXAMPLE 8

N-(2-fluoro-5-pyridylmethyl)ethylene diamine (1.7 g),1-nitro-2,2-bis(methylthio)ethylene (1.7 g) and ethanol (10 ml) weremixed at room temperature.

The mixture was gradually heated with stirring and refluxed until thegeneration of methylmercaptan ceased. After cooling to room temperature,the resulting crystals were collected by filtration and dried to givelight yellow crystals1-(2-fluoro-5-pyridylmethyl)-2-(nitromethylene)imidazolidine (1.7 g).m.p. 139°˜142° C. ##STR33##

EXAMPLE 9

Table 3 below shows the compounds of general formula (I) which weresynthesized the same way as in Example 7 and 8.

                  TABLE 3                                                         ______________________________________                                         ##STR34##                                                                    Com-                  Pyridine-                                               pound                 bonded                                                  No.   m     n     R   position                                                                             X.sub.l m.p.                                     ______________________________________                                        2     2     0     H   2-position                                                                           5-CH.sub.3                                                                            130˜132° C.                 3     3     0     H   2-position                                                                           5-CH.sub.3                                                                            145˜146° C.                 4     2     0     H   2-position                                                                           6-Br    176˜178° C.                 5     2     0     H   5-position                                                                           2-OC.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                    171˜173° C.                 6     3     0     H   5-position                                                                           2-OC.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                    177˜179° C.                 7     2     0     H   5-position                                                                            ##STR35##                                                                            179˜180° C.                 8     3     0     H   5-position                                                                            ##STR36##                                                                            185˜187° C.                 9     3     0     H   5-position                                                                           2-F     149˜151° C.                 10    2     0     H   3-position                                                                           2-Cl    201˜204° C.                 11    2     0     H   3-position                                                                           5-Br    180˜182° C.                 12    3     0     H   3-position                                                                           5-Br    192˜195° C.                 13    2     0     H   5-position                                                                           2-Br    167˜170° C.                 14    3     0     H   5-position                                                                           2-Br    193˜195° C.                 15    2     0     H   4-position                                                                           2-Cl    177˜179° C.                 16    3     0     H   4-position                                                                           2-Cl    219˜222° C.                 17    2     0     H   4-position                                                                           2,6-Cl.sub.2                                                                          m.p. 258˜260° C.            18    2     0     H   2-position                                                                           6-CH.sub.3                                                                            m.p. 191˜194° C.            19    3     0     H   2-position                                                                           6-CH.sub.3                                                                            m.p. 202˜204° C.            20    2     0     H   2-position                                                                           5-Cl    m.p. 145˜147° C.            21    3     0     H   2-position                                                                           5-Cl    m.p. 161˜162° C.            22    2     0     H   5-position                                                                           2-CH.sub.3                                                                            m.p. 120˜124° C.            23    3     0     H   5-position                                                                           2-CH.sub.3                                                                            m.p. 138˜140° C.            24    2     0     H   5-position                                                                           2-SCH.sub.3                                                                           m.p. 125˜126° C.            25    3     0     H   5-position                                                                           2-SCH.sub.3                                                                           m.p. 137˜139° C.            26    2     0     H   4-position                                                                           2-Cl    m.p. 228˜230° C.                                         6-CH.sub.3                                       29    2     0     H   5-position                                                                           2-OCH.sub. 3                                                                          m.p. 159˜161° C.            42    2     0     H   5-position                                                                            ##STR37##                                                                            m.p. 196˜198° C.            97    3     0     H   5-position                                                                           2-Cl    m.p. 184˜186° C.            ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 10

Table 4 below shows the compounds of general formula (I) which weresynthesized by reacting the compounds of general formula (II) fromaforesaid Examples 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 with material Nos. (III-1),(III-2), (III-3) and (III-4) shown below, the same way as in Examples 7and 8.

Material No. (III-1) : 1-nitro-2,2-bis(methylthio) ethylene

No. (III-2) : 1-nitro-2,2-bis(ethylthio) ethylene

No. (III-3) : 1-nitro-2,2-bis(benzylthio) ethylene

No. (III-4) : 2-nitro-1,3-dithiolane

                                      TABLE 4                                     __________________________________________________________________________     ##STR38##                                                                                      Product                                                     Compound No.                                                                          material                                                                           material                                                                           m  n  R      Pyridine-bonded position                                                                  X.sub.l                            __________________________________________________________________________    27      II-84                                                                              III-2                                                                              3  0  H      4-position  2-Cl, 6-CH.sub.3                   28      II-25                                                                              III-1                                                                              3  0  H      3-position  2-Cl                               30      II-50                                                                              III-2                                                                              3  0  H      5-position  2-OCH.sub.3                        31      II-5 III-1                                                                              2  0  H      2-position  4-CH.sub.3                         32      II-6 III-1                                                                              3  0  H      2-position  4-CH.sub.3                         33      II-7 III-2                                                                              2  0  H      2-position  5-C.sub.2 H.sub.5                  34      II-8 III-1                                                                              2  0  H      2-position  5-C.sub.4 H.sub.9n                 35      II-9 III-1                                                                              2  0  H      2-position  4,6-(CH.sub.3).sub.2               37      II-13                                                                              III-3                                                                              2  0  H      2-position  3,5-Cl.sub.2                       38      II-14                                                                              III-2                                                                              3  0  H      2-position  5-F                                39      II-16                                                                              III-4                                                                              3  1  H      2-position  5-C.sub.2 H.sub.5                  40      II-17                                                                              III-1                                                                              2  0  H      2-position  4-CH.sub.3, 6-Cl                   41      II-18                                                                              III-2                                                                              2  0  H      3-position  5-CH.sub.3                         43      II-22                                                                              III-2                                                                              3  0  H      5-position                                                                                 ##STR39##                         44      II-23                                                                              III-1                                                                              2  0  H      5-position                                                                                 ##STR40##                         45      II-26                                                                              III-3                                                                              2  0  H      3-position  5-Cl                               46      II-27                                                                              III-1                                                                              3  0  H      3-position  5-Cl                               47      II-32                                                                              III-1                                                                              2  0  H      3-position  5-F                                48      II-35                                                                              III-1                                                                              2  0  CH.sub.3                                                                             5-position  2-F                                49      II-36                                                                              III-2                                                                              2  0  C.sub.3 H.sub.7iso                                                                   5-position  2-F                                50      II-37                                                                              III-2                                                                              2  1  H      5-position  2-F                                51      II-38                                                                              III-3                                                                              3  2  H      5-position  2-Br                               52      II-39                                                                              III-1                                                                              4  0  H      5-position  2-Br                               53      II-40                                                                              III-1                                                                              3  3  H      5-position  2-Br                               54      II-41                                                                              III-2                                                                              2  0  H      3-position  2-Cl, 6-CH.sub.3                   55      II-42                                                                              III-3                                                                              3  0  H      5-position  2,4-Cl.sub.2                       56      II-43                                                                              III-1                                                                              2  0  H      3-position  2,6-Cl.sub.2                       57      II-44                                                                              III-2                                                                              2  0  H      5-position  2,4-Br.sub.2                       58      II-45                                                                              III-2                                                                              2  0  H      5-position  2,4-F.sub.2                        59      II-46                                                                              III-3                                                                              2  0  H      3-position  2,4,5,6-F.sub.4                    60      II-47                                                                              III-2                                                                              2  0  H      3-position  2,4,5,6-Cl.sub.4                   61      II-48                                                                              III-1                                                                              3  0  H      3-position  2-OCH.sub.3                        62      II-53                                                                              III-1                                                                              2  0  H      5-position  2-C.sub.3 H.sub.7iso               63      II-56                                                                              III-2                                                                              2  0  H      5-position                                                                                 ##STR41##                         64      II-57                                                                              III-2                                                                              2  0  H      3-position  2-SCH.sub.3                        65      II-60                                                                              III-1                                                                              2  0  H      5-position  4-CH.sub.3, 2-SCH.sub.3            66      II-61                                                                              III-1                                                                              2  0  H      5-position                                                                                 ##STR42##                         67      II-62                                                                              III-3                                                                              2  0  H      5-position                                                                                 ##STR43##                         68      II-63                                                                              III-2                                                                              2  0  H      5-position  2-SC.sub.2 H.sub.5                 69      II-64                                                                              III-2                                                                              2  0  H      5-position                                                                                 ##STR44##                         70      II-65                                                                              III-2                                                                              3  0  H      5-position                                                                                 ##STR45##                         71      II-66                                                                              III-1                                                                              3  0  H      5-position  4-Cl, 2-F                          72      II-67                                                                              III-1                                                                              2  0  H      3-position  6-Cl, 2-CH.sub.3                   73      II-68                                                                              III-1                                                                              2  0  H      5-position  2-Cl, 4-CH.sub.3                   74      II-69                                                                              III-1                                                                              2  0  H      5-position  2-CH.sub.2 CHCH.sub.2              75      II-70                                                                              III-1                                                                              2  0  H      5-position  2-CH.sub.2 C CH                    76      II-71                                                                              III-2                                                                              2  0  H      5-position  2,3-Cl.sub.2                       77      II-72                                                                              III-2                                                                              2  0  H      5-position  2-CHCHCH.sub.3                     78      II-75                                                                              III-4                                                                              2  0  H      4-position  2-F                                79      II-76                                                                              III-4                                                                              3  0  H      4-position  2-F                                80      II-78                                                                              III-1                                                                              3  0  H      4-position  2,6-F.sub.2                        81      II-79                                                                              III-1                                                                              2  0  H      4-position  2-CH.sub.3                         82      II-80                                                                              III-1                                                                              3  0  H      4-position  2-CH.sub.3                         83      II-81                                                                              III-2                                                                              2  0  CH.sub.3                                                                             4-position  2-Cl                               84      II-84                                                                              III-2                                                                              2  0  H      4-position  2,6-(CH.sub.3).sub.2               85      II-85                                                                              III-2                                                                              2  0  H      4-position  2-Br                               86      II-86                                                                              III-1                                                                              2  0  H      4-position  2,6-Br.sub.2                       87      II-87                                                                              III-1                                                                              2  0  H      4-position  2,3,5,6-F.sub.4                    88      II-88                                                                              III-1                                                                              3  0  H      4-position  2,3,5,6-F.sub.4                    89      II-89                                                                              III-2                                                                              3  0  H      4-position  2,6-Cl.sub.2                       90      II-90                                                                              III-1                                                                              2  0  H      5-position  2-F, 3-Cl                          91      II-91                                                                              III-1                                                                              2  0  H      5-position  2-F, 3-Br                          92      II-92                                                                              III-1                                                                              2  0  H      5-position  2-Cl, 3-F                          93      II-93                                                                              III-1                                                                              2  0  H      5-position  2,3,4-Cl.sub.3                     94      II-94                                                                              III-1                                                                              2  0  H      5-position  2-SCH.sub.3, 3-Cl                  96      II-96                                                                              III-1                                                                              2  1  H      5-position  2-Cl                               98      II-98                                                                              III-2                                                                              3  1  H      5-position  2-Cl                               99      II-99                                                                              III-1                                                                              3  0  CH.sub. 3                                                                            5-position  2-Cl                               100      II-100                                                                            III-1                                                                              3  2  H      5-position  2-Cl                               101      II-101                                                                            III-1                                                                              2  0  CH.sub.3                                                                             5-position  2-Cl                               102      II-102                                                                            III-1                                                                              4  0  H      5-position  2-Cl                               103      II-103                                                                            III-1                                                                              3  3  H      5-position  2-Cl                               104      II-104                                                                            III-2                                                                              3  0  C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                      5-position  2-Cl                               105      II-105                                                                            III-1                                                                              2  0  C.sub.2 H.sub.7iso                                                                   5-position  2-Cl                               __________________________________________________________________________

EXAMPLE 11 (wettable powder)

Fifteen parts of compound No. 95 of the invention, 80 parts of a 1:5mixture of powdery diatomaceous earth and powdery clay, 2 parts ofsodium alkylbenzenesulfonate, and 3 parts of a sodiumalkylnaphthalenesulfonate/formaldehyde condensate are pulverized andmixed to form a wettable powder. It is diluted with water and sprayedonto a noxious insect and/or its habitat or the locus of its occurrence.

EXAMPLE 12 (emulsifiable concentrate)

Thirty parts of compound No. 13 of the invention, 55 parts of exylene, 8parts of polyoxyethylene alkyl phenyl ether and 7 parts of calciumalkylbenzenesulfonate are mixed with stirring to form an emulsifiableconcentrate. It is diluted with water and sprayed onto a noxious insectand/or its habitat or the locus of its occurrence.

EXAMPLE 13 (dust)

Two parts of compound No. 5 of the invention and 98 parts of powderyclay are pulverized and mixed to form a dust. It is scattered over anoxious insect and/or its habitat or the locus of its occurrence.

EXAMPLE 14 (granules)

Water (25 parts) is added to a mixture consisting of 10 parts ofcompound No. 14 of the invention, 30 parts of bentonite(montmorillonite), 58 parts of talc and 2 parts of a lignosulfonate, andthey are well kneaded. The mixture is processed by an extrusion-typegranulating machine to form granules having a size of 10 to 40 meshwhich are then dried at 40° to 50° C. to form granules. The granules arescattered over a noxious insect and/or its habitat or the locus of itsoccurrence.

EXAMPLE 15 (granules)

Ninety-five parts of clay mineral particles having a particle sizedistribution between 0.2 and 2 mm are put in a rotary mixer, and withrotation, 5 parts of compound No. 51 of the invention is sprayed ontothe particles to wet them uniformly. The wet mixture is dried at 40° to50° C. to form granules. The granules are scattered over a noxiousinsect, and/or its habitat or the locus of its occurrence.

EXAMPLE 16 (oil preparation)

Compound No. 1 of this invention (0.5 part) and 99.5 parts of keroseneare mixed and stirred to form an oil preparation. It is sprayed onto anoxious insect, mite or nematode and/or its habitat or the locus of itsoccurrence.

EXAMPLE 17 (biological test)

Test on Nephotettix cincticeps having resistance to organophosphorusagents:

Preparation of a test chemical

Solvent: 3 parts by weight of xylene

Emulsifier: 1 part by weight of polyoxyethylene alkyl phenyl ether

To form a suitable preparation, 1 part by weight of the active compoundwas mixed with the aforesaid amount of the solvent contaning theaforesaid amount of the emulsifier. The mixture was diluted with waterto a predetermined concentration.

Testing method

Onto rice plants, about 10 cm tall, planted in pots each having adiameter of 12 cm was sprayed 10 ml per pot of the water-dilution ofeach actr,ve compound in a predetermined concentration prepared asabove. The sprayed chemical was dried, and a wire net having a diameterof 7 cm and a height of 14 cm was put over each pot, and 30 femaleimagoes of Nephotettix cincticeps showing resistance to organophosphorusagents were released into the net. The pots were each placed in aconstant temperature chamber and the number of dead insects was examined2 days later, and the kill ratio was calculated. The results are shownin Table 5.

                  TABLE 5                                                         ______________________________________                                                    Concentration                                                                 of the active                                                                 ingredient                                                                              Kill ratio                                                          (ppm)     (%)                                                     ______________________________________                                        Compound                                                                      No.                                                                            1            8           100                                                  9            8           100                                                 13            8           100                                                 14            8           100                                                 22            8           100                                                 24            8           100                                                 29            8           100                                                 95            8           100                                                 97            8           100                                                 Comparison                                                                    A-1           40           65                                                 B-1           40           55                                                 ______________________________________                                         Note                                                                          .sup.(1) The compound numbers are the same as given above.                    .sup.(2) Comparisons A1 and B1 were of the following structures:              ##STR46##                                                                     ##STR47##                                                                

In addition to the compounds exemplified in Example 17, for example,Compound Nos. 48, 49, 50, 51, 55, 96 and 98 also showed excellentinsecticidal effects in the same test as Example 17.

EXAMPLE 18 (biological test)

Test on planthoppers:

Testing method

A water dilution in a predetermined concentration of the active compoundprepared as in Example 17 was sprayed onto rice plants, about 10 cmtall, grown in pots with a diameter of 12 cm in an amount of 10 ml perpot. The sprayed chemical was dried, and a wire net, 7 cm in diameterand 14 cm tall, was put over each of the pots. Thirty female imagoes ofNilaparvata lugens Stal of a strain which showed resistance toorganophosphorus chemicals were released into the net. The pots wereleft to stand in a constant temperature chamber and the number of deadinsects was examined two days later. The kill ratio was then calculated.

In the same way as above, the kill ratio was calculated on Sogatellafurcifera Horvath and organophosphorus-resistant Laodelphax striatellusFallen.

The results are shown in Table 6.

                  TABLE 6                                                         ______________________________________                                               Concentration                                                                            Kill ratio (%)                                                     of the active                 S. fur-                                         ingredient (ppm)                                                                         N. lugens                                                                              L. striatellus                                                                          cifera                                   ______________________________________                                        Compound                                                                      No.                                                                            1       40           100      100     100                                     7       40           100      100     100                                     9       40           100      100     100                                    13       40           100      100     100                                    14       40           100      100     100                                    29       40           100      100     100                                    50       40           100      100     100                                    95       40           100      100     100                                    97       40           100      100     100                                    Comparison                                                                    A-1      40            50       40      40                                    B-1      40            30       30      30                                    ______________________________________                                         Note:                                                                         (1) The compound numbers are the same as above.                               (2) Comparisons A1 and B1 are the same as in the footnote to Table 5.    

EXAMPLE 19 (biological test)

Test on Myzus persicae (green peach aphids) having resistance toorganophosphorus chemicals and carbamate chemicals:

Testing method

Green peach aphids which had been bred and had resistance toorganophosphorus chemicals and carbamate chemicals were inoculated oneggplant seedlings (black elongate eggplants), about 20 cm tall, grownin unglazed pots having a diameter of 15 cm (about 200 aphids perseedlings. One day after the inoculation, a water dilution of eachactive compound at a predetermined concentration prepared as in Example17 was sprayed in a sufficient amount onto the plants using a spray gun.After the spraying, the pots were left to stand in a greenhouse at 28°C. Twenty-four hours after the spraying, the kill ratio was calculated.For each compound, the test was carried out through two replicates.

The results are shown in Table 7.

                  TABLE 7                                                         ______________________________________                                                     Concentration of                                                              the active ingre-                                                                        Kill ratio                                                         dient (ppm)                                                                              (%)                                                   ______________________________________                                        Compound No.                                                                   1             200          100                                                9             200          100                                               13             200          100                                               14             200          100                                               25             200          100                                               30             200          100                                               95             200          100                                               97             200          100                                               Comparison                                                                    A-1            1000          80                                                              200           30                                               B-1            1000          60                                                              200           10                                               Estox          1000         100                                               (commercial    200           20                                               product)                                                                      ______________________________________                                         Note:                                                                         (1) The compound numbers and comparisons A1 and B1 are the same as above.     (2) Estox: S--2ethylsulfinyl-1-methylethyldimethyl-phosphorothiolate (45%     emulsifiable concentrate).                                               

It will be understood that the specification and examples areillustrative but not limitative of the present invention and that otherembodiments within the spirit and scope of the invention will suggestthemselves to those skilled in the art.

We claim:
 1. A nitromethylene derivative of the formula ##STR48## in which R is a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl group,X is a halogen atom, a lower alkyl group, a lower alkoxy group, a lower alkylthio group, a lower alkylsulfinyl group, a lower alkylsulfonyl group, a lower alkenyl group, a lower alkynyl group, a phenyl, phenoxy, phenylthio, naphthyl, naphthoxy or naphthylthio group; a halogen substituted phenyl, phenoxy, phenylthio, naphthyl, naphthoxy or naphthylthio group; or a benzyl, phenethyl or naphthylmethyl group, l is 1, 2, 3 or 4, and n is 0, 1, 2 or 3,or a salt thereof.
 2. A nitromethylene derivative or salt thereof according to claim 1, in whichR is a hydrogne atom or an alkyl group with 1 to 4 carbon atoms; and X is a halogen atom; a lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, lower alkylthio, lower alkylsulfinyl, lower alkylsulfonyl or lower alkenyl group with up to 6 carbon atoms; a lower alkylnyl group with up to 4 carbon atoms; a phenyl, phenoxy, phenylthio, naphthyl, naphthoxy or naphthylthio group; a phenyl, phenoxy, phenylthio, naphthyl, naphthoxy or naphthylthio group substituted by halogen; or a benzyl, phenethyl or naphthylmethyl group.
 3. A compound according to claim 1, wherein such compound is 1-(2-chloro-5-pyridylmethyl)-2-(nitromethylene) imidazoline of the formula ##STR49## or a salt thereof.
 4. A compound according to claim 1, wherein such compound is 1-2-(fluoro-5-pyridylmethyl)-2-(nitromethylene) imidazolidine of the formula ##STR50## or a salt thereof.
 5. A compound according to claim 1, wherein such compound is 1-(2-bromo-5-pyridylmethyl)-2-(nitromethylene) imidazolidine of the formula ##STR51## or a salt thereof.
 6. A compound according to claim 1, wherein such compound is 1-(2-ethoxy-5-pyridylmethyl)-2-(nitromethylene) imidazolidine of the formula ##STR52## or a salt thereof.
 7. An insecticidal composition comprising an insecticidally effective amount of a compound or salt according to claim 1 in admixture with a diluent.
 8. A method of combating insects which comprises applying to such insects or a habitat thereof an insecticidally effective amount of a compound or salt according to claim
 1. 9. The method according to claim 13, wherein such compound is1-(2-chloro-5-pyridylmethyl)-2-(nitromethylene) imidazoline, 1-2-(fluoro-5-pyridylmethyl)-2-(nitromethylene) imidazolidine, 1-(2-bromo-5-pyridylmethyl)-2-(nitromethylene) imidazolidine, 1-(2-ethoxy-5-pyridylmethyl)-2-(nitromethylene) imidazolidine,or a salt thereof. 